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Getting from East Midlands Airport to Derby

Derby is another famous city in the vicinity of East Midlands Airport that has a large number of visitors every year. It is known for its historic Cathedral Quarter and traditional country pubs, and it sits at the entrance to the Peak District National Park.

Derby is located 22 km northwest of East Midlands Airport and there are two main, direct transport options connecting the two. The fastest travel option from East Midlands Airport to Derby is taking a taxi or private transfer. The alternative is the Trentbarton Skylink Derby bus service that is operated by Kinchbus. A taxi will take about 25 minutes, depending on traffic, to make this journey while the bus will take about 50 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Nottingham at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €45 25min 24/7
Bus €12.30 50min 24/7

How to get from East Midlands Airport to Derby by taxi

Getting from East Midlands Airport to Derby by taxi is very simple as taxis are readily available 24/7 and can even be pre-booked in advance. You’ll therefore be on your way in no time at all, while the journey into Derby by taxi only takes 25 minutes and you will be dropped off right at your hotel or destination of choice.

Cost of a taxi from East Midlands Airport to Derby

A taxi from East Midlands Airport to Derby will cost about £40 (€45), prices may vary depending on the company you travel with. Black cabs will calculate the fare using a taximeter and can be more expensive, while fixed-rate fares are available from private hire cab companies like Welcome Pickups, where you can pre-book and pay for your transfer.

Cost

£40 (€45)

Trip Duration

25 minutes

Taxis have two fare rates: day rates are applicable from 6:00 to 22:00 and night rates from 22:00 to 6:00.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 at East Midlands Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

East Midlands Airport only has one terminal building, the taxi ranks are located outside the Arrivals Hall and are clearly signposted.

Convenience

The convenience of taking a cab from the airport is undeniable. You will reach your destination in the most comfortable and relaxed manner, while taxis are also the fastest mode of transport.

Editor’s Note

It would be worth pre-booking your airport taxi in advance and getting a fixed rate fare for your transfer, as they are often more affordable than black cabs that use a taximeter.

Useful Tips

Black cabs offer seating for 5 passengers compared to private hire taxis that can transport up to 4 passengers.
If your transfer is with a taxi using a taximeter, make sure that it is turned on at the start of your journey.
Tipping is optional and mostly offered on holidays (New Year’s, Christmas or Bank Holidays).

How to get from East Midlands Airport to Derby by bus

If a taxi is out of your budget, you can also get a bus from East Midlands Airport to Derby. Skylink Derby is an affordable bus service, operated by Kinchbus, that runs 24/7, at 20-minute intervals during the day and hourly at night. This service also runs from East Midlands Airport to Derby Train Station and Derby Bus Station. The journey from East Midlands Airport to Derby city centre takes approximately 50 minutes.

Cost of bus from East Midlands Airport to Derby

The Skylink Derby adult single bus ticket costs £5.30 (€6.15). There is also an under 18s single ticket at a cost of £3.70 (€4.30) and a ticket for under 10s that costs £1 (€1.15). Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver and can be paid for in cash or by card.

Cost

£5.30 (€6.15)

Trip Duration

50 minutes

An under 18s single ticket costs £3.70 (€4.30) and an under 10s ticket costs £1 (€1.15).

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Skylink Derby runs 24/7 at 20 minute intervals during the day and hourly at night.

Where do I get the bus from?

All the buses at East Midlands Airport, including the Skylink Derby service, depart from the airport’s Coach Station. It is located next to the main terminal building and directions are clearly signposted in the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

With 24/7 service availability and affordably priced tickets, the bus is a convenient transport option to get from East Midlands Airport to Derby. The journey however is quite lengthy (approx. 50 minutes) compared to a taxi and you will still have to figure out how to get to your hotel from the Derby Bus station. It is therefore not the recommended option for anyone in a hurry or anyone travelling with a lot of luggage.

Editor’s Note

The 20-minute frequency of this service is between 5:20 and 19:30. Between 20:30 and 4:00 this service runs hourly.

Useful Tips

Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver once you board and can be paid for in cash or card.
The Skylink Derby bus is wheelchair accessible but has enough space for only one wheelchair at a time.
If you are planning to take this bus service from the airport to Derby between 20:30 and 4:00 check the timetable provided to minimise your waiting time between bus departures.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get from East Midlands Airport to Derby?

There are two direct transport options available from East Midlands Airport to Derby. The fastest and easiest way to travel is with an airport taxi or private transfer straight to your hotel door. The alternative is a frequent bus service, the Skylink Derby, that runs 24/7 and takes you into the city centre of Derby.

How far is it from East Midlands Airport to Derby?

East Midlands Airport is 22 km from the city of Derby. The journey is about a 25-minute ride by cab, while the Skylink Derby bus service will take closer to 50 minutes to complete the route, depending on traffic conditions.

How much does a taxi cost from East Midlands Airport to Derby?

A taxi from East Midlands Airport to Derby will cost a minimum of £40 (€45) but the total fare will depend on the cab company you choose. Black cabs are fitted with a taximeter and may be more expensive but you can also book an airport taxi or private transfer in advance and secure a fixed-rate fare with no hidden costs.

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